An Outer Cladding

The cladding is the primary barrier to water penetration. In some technical literature, it can be referred to as the “rainscreen” itself, but is not fully effective without a proper cavity and air and vapor barrier behind it. The outer cladding is designed to shed most or all of the water that strikes its surface, and takes the brunt of the exterior weather forces. It features properly engineered joints between cladding panels to allow ventilation. In addition to moisture protection, the outer cladding layer can provide shading and UV protection.

A Cavity

A well-ventilated air cavity between the outer cladding and the wall behind it is essential to the effectiveness of a rainscreen system. As air circulates through the cavity, it:
– picks up and vents vapor to the outside;
– whisks away moisture from the surface of the air-and-moisture barrier;
– dries the cavity

The cavity should be minimally 3/8″ (1 cm) deep / ideally 2″ (5 cm) deep to allow water to escape and air to circulate. Installing continuous roof flashing is also necessary in order to prevent water from seeping into the cavity (water leakage), while allowing for air circulation (air leakage).

An Air and Vapor Barrier

The air and vapor barrier is the final layer of protection, preventing any moisture from penetrating the building walls (i.e. DensGlass®, Concrete Masonry Units (CMU), masonry walls, and plywood). The air and vapor barrier may also be referred to as an AWB (air and water barrier), and may be permeable or non-permeable. Regardless of the type, all holes and punctures – resulting from the attachment of the outer cladding to the building enclosure – must be properly sealed.

In addition to protection against water penetration, a rainscreen can offer enhanced shading and UV protection benefits. In combination with continuous (double-layer, staggered) exterior insulation, a rainscreen system will provide significantly improved thermal performance.

Rainscreen diagram with added depiction of air circulation (grey arrows). In a properly designed rainscreen system, air continuously flows through the cladding joints and cavity, whisking away moisture.

Diagram 2

Rainscreen diagram with added depiction of air circulation (grey arrows). In a properly designed rainscreen system, air continuously flows through the cladding joints and cavity, whisking away moisture.